By Ayo Kehinde
The Edo State Government has advised the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his aides to concentrate on planning their reported “extravagant N5bn inauguration ceremony” rather than dragging Governor Godwin Obaseki into their political affairs.
This comes in response to Okpebholo’s recent statements accusing Obaseki of hindering a smooth transition and suggesting that the outgoing governor required “psychiatric evaluation” due to recent remarks.
Okpebholo also alleged that Obaseki left Benin City covertly, departing in an unmarked bus over 72 hours before his official exit from office. He claimed the governor’s current location was unknown.
Reacting in a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, expressed disappointment in the incoming administration’s priorities, criticizing the massive spending earmarked for the November 12 inauguration.
“It is disheartening to see the state’s resources directed towards lavish spending and extravagance instead of a seamless, dignified transition.
“The governor wasn’t even extended an invitation to the inauguration, underscoring the pettiness of this new administration,” Osagie stated.
Osagie further alleged that the incoming government had already committed N5bn to various vendors in official capacity for the inauguration, a move he described as “a sad day for Edo people” who have grown accustomed to prudent management of public funds under Obaseki’s administration.
The adviser also highlighted the efforts made by Obaseki’s administration to conduct a smooth and respectful handover process, devoid of asset misappropriation or property damage.
“We have ensured decorum throughout this transition process, while the incoming government had hoped for a chaotic takeover to justify any future irregularities or looting of assets.
“Now, disappointed, they are grasping at straws, attempting to smear Obaseki’s name. Their reaction is not surprising,” he said.
He emphasised the stark difference between the outgoing administration’s responsible governance approach and what he described as the frivolous priorities demonstrated by the incoming administration.
